Memorials › Capt William John “Gus” Widhelm

Capt William John “Gus” Widhelm

13 Jul 1908 – 19 Jul 1954

Birth13 Jul 1908
Death19 Jul 1954
CemeteryArlington National Cemetery
Arlington , Arlington County , Virginia , USA
Added byKathy Franz on 10 Feb 2024
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/36045308

Bio

Lietenant (Junior Grade) W. J. Widhelm, USN, was designated Naval Aviator #4148 in 1935. Graduated U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1932. He was awarded two Navy Crosses during World War II, one for action during the Battle of Midway as executive officer of Souting Squadron Eight (VS-8). Captain Widhelm, commanding officer of NAAS Chase Field, Tex., was killed in an aircraft accident involving a two-seat T-28B. Also killed was the pilot, Marine Corps Major Kenneth Arthur Anderson, in charge of ATU-204 at Chase Field. This crash was the first serious accident involving the then-new T-28 trainer, and a specific cause for the accident was never determined. ============= Chicago Tribune (IL) - July 21, 1954 ARLINGTON SERVICES PLANNED FOR FLYER KILLED IN AIR CRASH Deceased Name: Navy Capt. William J. Widhelm Services for Navy Capt. William J. Widhelm, 46, killed Monday in an air crash near Woodsboro, Tex., probably will be held at Arlington National cemetery. Meanwhile, plans were made for his widow, Elizabeth, and their three children to return to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold C. Cheney of Barrington, to live. The children are John, 10; Wendy, 8, and Sally, 4. Capt. Widhelm held one of the navy's most distinguished records of aviation combat and service. He took command of Chase field, a navy jet training base at Beeville, Tex., on July 1. Capt. Widhelm, a 1932 graduate of the United States Naval academy, was awarded two navy crosses, a distinguished flying cross, and the Legion of Merit for outstanding combat service during World War II. ============== NAVY CROSS CITATIONS The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant William John Widhelm (NSN: 0-71503), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane and Executive Officer of Scouting Squadron EIGHT (VS-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the "Air Battle of Midway." On 6 June 1942, Lieutenant Widhelm participated in the bombing and strafing attacks on fleeing enemy forces. In the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire he coolly and methodically without regard for his own safety, attacked the enemy, obtaining a hit on one of the enemy cruisers. His courage and skill contributed to the victory achieved by our forces. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] William John Widhelm (NSN: 0-71503), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane and Commanding Officer of Scouting Squadron EIGHT (VS-8), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), in the successful aerial action against Japanese naval forces on 26 October 1942, near Santa Cruz Islands. Though met by heavy fighter opposition which shot down four of his planes, and with his own craft losing oil as a result of enemy gun fire, Commander Widhelm led his flight of scout bombers to press home the attack on a large Japanese carrier until he was finally forced to make a water landing close to the enemy fleet. His example of dogged tenacity, leadership and courage inspired all members of his flight and contributed in a large measure to the extremely heavy damage inflicted upon the enemy. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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